Spring Is Coming—Get a Custom Quote for Your Golf Vacation

One month. That’s how long we have until the official start of spring. And according to the groundhog earlier this month, we’ll have an early spring. All of this means one thing to me: time to dust off the golf clubs and prepare for spring golf.

One of the best ways I can think of to do this is to start planning that spring golf vacation. This is easy enough to do—just visit the Gulf Shores Golf Association’s website to get a custom quote on a golf vacation package. Simply fill in information about your desired vacation (arrival and departure dates, number of golfers, desired lodging, etc.) and a quote for your customized golf package is emailed to you.

Then you’re on your way to an amazing Gulf Shores & Orange Beach golf getaway, customized just the way you like it—whether it includes one day of golf during a weekend stay at a beach hotel, or a whole week of golf and a luxurious Gulf-front condo.

I would argue that any time of the year is a good time to golf on the Gulf—you could go down right now and experience much nicer, milder weather than many other parts of the country are getting—but spring truly is an ideal season for a beach vacation and rounds of golf on nine signature golf courses.

I’ll be thinking and dreaming of my spring golf trip over these last few weeks of winter. Can’t wait to get down there!

Summer is a Great Time for a Golf Vacation!

Yes, it’s hot, but like any true hard-core golfer, I will not let the heat keep me from the green. I have a Gulf Shores golf vacation coming up in July, and I have every intention to get out on those courses.

First of all, I plan to golf in the morning and avoid the afternoon heat altogether. I’ve always enjoyed morning golf better, anyway—the courses in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach are gorgeous anyway, but there’s something about being out there first thing in the morning that just enhances their beauty.

Second, I plan to take advantage of the different perks offered by the courses. For instance, ice cold towels can make a world of difference when the temperature really starts to rise, and Cotton Creek at Craft Farms even offers mango-scented ice cold towels—talk about refreshing! Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club offers chilled apples on the first tee of all three nines, and of course there’s always the option of a nice, cold drink at a club’s restaurant/clubhouse.

Finally, when the round of golf is complete, I have every intention of returning to my Gulf-front condo and taking a refreshing swim in the pool or even venturing out for a dip in the Gulf itself.

And these are the reasons why I love a summer golf getaway.

Best Ways to Wind Down after Golf on the Gulf

It’s finally here: spring. And it’s brought some ideal golf conditions in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach—unquestionably warm weather that lacks the searing heat of summer. This time of year, a Gulf Shores golf vacation is an absolute must.

Between the beautiful weather and the area’s nine signature golf courses, you’ll likely be inspired to play a lot of golf—I know I always am. So having ways to wind down and relax afterward is important. What I do after usually depends on what time of day I play.

For instance, by the time I’m done with a morning round of golf, it’s often beach time—and lunchtime. Usually, I’ll do one of two things: head back to my Gulf-front condo, make a quick lunch and grab a book, and go down to the beach for a while, or I’ll go find a beach-side restaurant.

After a round of afternoon golf, I’m usually ready for a cool-down and will return to my condo or hotel for a swim in the pool or a trip around the lazy river.

But spring, for me, is a favorite time of year for early evening golf, and there are a few ways of winding down in the evening. Dinner out is a good option if it’s not too late, preferably somewhere with some live music. If I’m still feeling energized, I might even try to catch a concert if one is scheduled. On the other hand, if I’m pretty tired (more and more the case the older I get), I’ll return to my condo for a soak in a hot tub, or enjoy a cold drink on my balcony while gazing out over the moonlit Gulf.

Cold Weather has Arrived—Time to Plan the Spring Golf Trip

Found out over the weekend that my neighbor is planning a first-time trip to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach in the spring. By planning, I mean he wants to go—this coming spring—but he doesn’t know anything about the area other than what I’ve told him.

So of course he’s now “planning” a golf vacation. Really, that was the first topic of discussion when he told me he wanted to plan a Gulf vacation: the nine signature golf courses in and around Gulf Shores & Orange Beach and how awesome they are. As far as where he should stay, I told him it really depends on what his plans are.

If he wants to keep things pretty simple (just himself, just a quick weekend trip, etc.), a hotel might be the way to go. If he’s going solo for a longer vacation, a one-bedroom condo is another option—all the comforts of home suited to one person. Or maybe he wants to take my suggestion and make it a buddies golf trip, in which case he should go with a multi-room condo or even a beach house. I’m pushing for a Gulf-front beach house with a group of friends (myself included, given all the excellent advice I’ve offered).

Whatever he decides, he’ll have lots of options—everything from “chain” hotels to luxury condos. And no, it’s not too early to plan for spring—it’s the best way to tolerate the dreary cold of winter.

Deciding Where to Stay

The changing weather has really inspired me to play more golf. And with this inspiration comes the realization that I need another golf getaway, even if it’s just a quick weekend. So in the midst of planning the big summer golf vacation, I’m also adding in a quick spring trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Luckily, the area is accommodating for various types of vacations—from short and sweet quick trips to lengthy, luxurious getaways. Several “chain” hotels are available and are ideal for shorter stays and trips where your main interest is playing golf and enjoying the beach and other attractions. Condominiums are a good choice for group golf trips—multiple-bedroom condos with a variety of amenities make excellent lodging choices for a group of golf buddies. Or maybe the privacy of a rental beach house would suit your needs better—an ideal setup for family reunions.

I’m thinking that a hotel room for two or three nights in April is exactly what I need to satisfy this spring golf itch. Then I’ll be living it up in a Gulf-front condo this summer. Time to book the golf package!